End Period Poverty for Students in Sri Lanka

Monthly Report: End Period Poverty for Students in Sri Lanka – #67075
Project Title: End Period Poverty for Students in Sri Lanka
Reporting Period:Aug to Oct 2025

1. Introduction
During this reporting period, Save a Life continued its mission to address period poverty among school and university students in Sri Lanka. Our efforts focused on improving menstrual hygiene facilities, strengthening menstrual waste management systems, and expanding awareness activities led by youth volunteers. Through these initiatives, we aim to promote dignity, health, and eco-friendly menstrual practices across educational institutions.

2. Key Activities
2.1 Installation of Sanitary Pad Burners
Save a Life donated and installed sanitary pad burners at two key educational institutions:

Faculty of Arts, University of Jaffna
A sanitary pad burner was handed over to enhance safe menstrual waste management on campus. This installation supports proper disposal practices, contributes to a cleaner university environment, and encourages sustainable hygiene solutions for female students.

Vempadi Girls’ High School, Jaffna
A sanitary pad burner was installed at the school to ensure students have dignified and hygienic menstrual waste disposal facilities. This initiative promotes health, safety, and environmental cleanliness within the school community.
Both installations are part of our wider mission to strengthen menstrual hygiene infrastructure in educational settings.

2.2 Awareness Sessions for First-Year Students

Our youth volunteers, with guidance from mentors, conducted menstrual health awareness sessions for first- year university students. These sessions focused on:
menstrual hygiene practices
Breaking stigma and misconceptions
promoting dignity and confidence among young girls
Youth-led awareness programs continue to play a vital role in building knowledge and encouraging supportive environments within universities.

3. Challenges Faced
Scheduling awareness sessions within academic timetables was sometimes difficult due to exam periods and student availability.
Continued demand for menstrual hygiene facilities and awareness programs highlights the need for more funding and partnerships to expand outreach.

4. Impact on the Community
Students at the University of Jaffna and Vempadi Girls’ High School now have access to safe and eco- riendly menstrual waste disposal facilities.
Cleaner and healthier environments have been created through improved waste management practices.
First-year students gained essential knowledge about menstrual health, contributing to reduced stigma and improved confidence in managing their menstrual cycles.
The involvement of youth volunteers strengthened peer-to-peer education, making learning more relatable and impactful.

5. Plans for the Next Reporting Period

Expand installation of sanitary pad burners to additional schools and universities in underserved districts.

Conduct more youth-led awareness programs, especially in rural communities.

Strengthen partnerships with local government bodies, health institutions, and community groups to support sustainable menstrual hygiene solutions.
Explore opportunities to provide additional menstrual hygiene resources, including sanitary pads and educational materials.

6. Thank You
We sincerely thank GlobalGiving and our generous donors for your continuous support. Your contributions directly uplift the lives of students across Sri Lanka by ensuring dignity, safety, and equal access to menstrual hygiene. Together, we are making a lasting difference in promoting women’s health and empowerment.